Create Cardboard Gingerbread Houses

Cardboard is such a get budget art and craft item. I love being able to create items out of recycled cardboard. These gingerbread house cut outs area easy to make and fun for the kids too. It just uses a few simple supplies to make and can be used for lots of projects.

This project is to create one dimensional gingerbread style cut outs to be used in gift tags, oranaments shelf display and more.  Grab the template at the end of the post to trace your images. To see how to create a 3D style, see this post on making 3D Christmas houses with foamcore.

Supplies to Create Cardboard Gingerbread Houses

-Cardboard

-Scissors

-White 3D paint writers or puffy paint

-Pencil for tracing

Draw the House Images

Either freehand or trace the gingerbread house shapes from our template. These can be inspired by real houses and cottages or make up your own! Cut the images out with scissors. Leave this part of the project to an adult.

Trace or Draw on House Designs

Use a pencil to draw designs onto the cardboard. These can be curly-cues, straight lines, hearts, and architectural items such as windows, doors, chimneys and trim.

Paint on Designs with 3D Writer

Use the 3D paint writer or puffy paint to go go over the lines. Turn the cardboard as needed to avoid dragging across paint lines. Sometimes it’s just easier to follow the lines that freehand it, but improvise if you feel like it!

Let the Paint Dry

Once the lines are drawn, let them dry.  You may want to go over it again for the thicker coat. You can also also add snow. At this time add other embellishments if desired. Glue on glitter, sequins or even little faux candy. Or  punch a holes and leave them plain and add ribbons at the top to hang them as ornaments or gift tags. They can also be lined up in a row for a cute little gingerbread village.

These are so darn cute and easy to make just like these cute cardboard hanf

 

To make a gingerbread garland, see this post with free gingerbread printables.